THE WONDER LOVE: GOD’S LOVE Part 1

THE WONDER LOVE: GOD’S LOVE Part 1

I John 3:1-2
1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

2Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

This Scripture underlines some points that we need to lay emphasis on:

Point #1. GOD’S LOVE IS AN UNEXPECTED KIND OF LOVE

1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us…
Let’s focus on the first word in that verse. ‘Behold’

We don’t use that word very often in our conversations. It is defined as to see, perceive, look intently with an element of shock and surprise. So, the idea is that God’s love for His children is something we, His children, need to see. We need to see it for what it is! When we do see it, it surprises us!
It’s the kind of love that we don’t see every day. It’s an uncommon type of love. The word ‘love’ in Verse 1, is translated from the Greek word ‘agape.’ Agape is a sacrificial type of love. It’s a love that says, “I’ll love you even if you don’t love me!” It’s a love that puts the interest of others ahead of self.
That’s the kind of love our Heavenly Father has for you and me! We are His children! His love for us goes deeper than any love we have ever experienced. That’s why verse 1 begins with the word ‘behold.’ Our Heavenly Father wants us to see how much He loves us.

Earthly fathers know how much they love our children. They often willingly make sacrifices for them.
There isn’t much they wouldn’t do for them. Just as our Heavenly Father wants us to see how much He loves us. Earthly fathers, strive to show their children how much they love them!

Point #2. GOD’S LOVE IS AN INEXPLICABLE KIND OF LOVE.
1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us…

Now, let’s focus on the words ‘what manner of love.’ The word ‘manner’ means the sort, or quality.
Psalm 36:7 – How precious is Your loving-kindness, O God! Therefore, the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.

The King James Version uses the word “excellent” in that Verse. It’s a precious type of love! It’s an excellent kind of love! Ephesians 2:4 …but God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…

Here, we find the word ‘great’ to describe God’s love for us.

Ephesians 3:18-19 – …may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height–19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

In those verses, we are told that our Heavenly Father’s love is beyond our ability to know and understand. That’s because we’ve never experienced that kind of love before!

Earthly fathers, love their children! I’m confident that they don’t fully appreciate just how much they are loved. It’s a love that is capable of being shared around, no matter how many children we might have!

To be continued tomorrow.

Scriptures for further study

Ephesians 3:14- end

Personal declaration for the day

I will never doubt or question the love of God for me.

Questions for you to reflect on
How much do you understand the love of God for you? Describe it